Hyderabad: Noted poet, writer, lyricist and Jnanpeet awardee Dr C. Narayan Reddy, 86, popularly known as “Cinaare”, passed awaythis morning. He leaves behind his wife and four daughters besides a host of admirers in all walks of life.
Son of a farmer couple Malla Reddy and Butchamma, Narayan Reddy was born in Hanumajipet of Karimnagar district on July 29, 1931. After his primary education in the village, he completed his high school in Urdu medium. Even his Intermediate education in Chadharghat school and B.A degree from Osmania University was in Urdu medium. Later, he completed his post graduation om Telugu literature and even secured his doctorate from Osmania University.
In the beginning, Narayan Reddy served as lecturer in Secunderabad Arts and Science College and later in Nizam College. As Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University, he earned a lot of kudos and awards. As writer and poet, his services in the field of Telugu literature, was innumerable which earned him a name and fame globally. He received the prestigious Jananpeeth Award in 1988. After Viswanatha Sathyanarayana, he was the second person to receive the award for Telugu literature. Authored many books, his publications were translated into English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam and Kannada. His poems and couplets in Hindi and Urdu were well-received and appreciated and earned a name for himself.
Narayan Reddy had over 3,500 film songs to his credit. It was late N.T. Rama Rao, who wielded megaphone in hit film “Gulebakavali Katha” gave Narayan Reddy his break as a lyricist. He wrote all the songs in the film, including the popular ‘Nannu Dochukunnavate Vannela Dorasani” in 1962 on NTR and Jamuna. He was known for his use of Telugu in its pure form and would not be swayed by filmmakers on the use of the language. The President nominated Narayan Reddy to the Rajya Sabha in 1977 and in the same year he received Padma Sri and later Padma Bhushan. He began writing lyrics for film from 1962.
Narayan Reddy has been ailing for sometime and was undergoing treatment in Care Hospital where he breathed his last after a massive stroke this morning. The news about his sudden demises dazed all in literature, academic, films, political and other fields. Scores of people made a beeline to his residence to pay their homage and respect to the departed leader.
Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Ministers K. Chandrasekhar Rao and N. Chandrababu Naidu, ministers, political leaders and film personalities conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family (NSS)
Telugu Poet C. Narayan Reddy passes away
